Winterizing Your Home: A Checklist for Residential Plumbing Systems
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As cold temperatures settle in, the risk of serious plumbing issues increases, including frozen and burst pipes that can cause significant damage to your home. Now that winter is in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your plumbing. As a trusted plumber in Lakewood Ranch, FL, we understand the challenges that colder weather brings to your plumbing system. By making a few simple preparations, you can prevent common winter plumbing problems and keep your system running smoothly all season long.
Let’s take a look at how your plumbing can be safeguarded before the cold weather takes its toll.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Insulating these pipes with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation helps to keep them warm and prevents the water inside from freezing. In cases where pipes are outside or in particularly cold areas, consider adding extra protection with heat tape to maintain a consistent temperature around the pipe. Taking these steps can help you avoid costly plumbing repair procedures due to frozen or burst pipes.
2. Let Faucets Drip
During extremely cold weather, let faucets in areas that are more prone to freezing drip slightly. This keeps water flowing through the pipes and reduces the risk of them freezing. If you have outdoor faucets in your residential plumbing system, be sure to disconnect hoses, drain them, and shut off the water supply to prevent water from sitting in the hose bib, which could cause it to freeze and crack.
3. Seal Gaps and Drafts
Cold air can enter your home through gaps around windows, doors, and even small cracks in walls, which can affect the temperature around your pipes. A plumbing company can seal these openings with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent drafts. Pay close attention to areas where pipes pass through exterior walls, as these are especially vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
4. Keep the Heat On
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period during the winter, make sure the thermostat is set to a minimum of 55°. This temperature is warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing but won’t waste energy. Even when you’re at home, maintaining a consistent temperature is key to reducing the risk of emergency plumbing issues.
5. Professional Winterizing Services
While there are plenty of steps homeowners can take to protect their plumbing, it’s always a good idea to schedule professional plumbing services before the cold hits. A licensed plumber can thoroughly check your system, identify any weak spots, and provide tailored solutions to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Let the experts at Accurate Backflow & Plumbing handle the process from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule your installation and enjoy the benefits of soft water in no time!
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They make it easy. You schedule your test online. They take care of the rest and even send the results to the county. Very competitive/affordable price as well. I even write in the notes when I schedule my test that if it needs a repair that costs less than $100 to please repair on the spot. Over $100, call me. Only once (when I needed a repair) did I receive an invoice for more than the typical service fee — my leak was repaired and I didn't even have to worry about it. Very please with how easy they make things.
They are awesome! This year I hired Accurate, as I have past years, but then my neighborhood hired another company. The company hired by the neighbor completely botched it, but the county only looks at the last test result done. Accurate really had my back, talked to the county for me to make sure the bad company retested. Would definitely recommend Accurate Backflow!
Have had a great experience with Accurate. We have used them for 4-5yrs running. Very simple process for us email to schedule appointment and they turn in all the paperwork for you. We have never had any issues and it’s such an easy process to pay as soon as you get the email invoice, and it’s super reasonable.
Streamline, efficient and stress free. Thank you!
Tracy was incredible in answering all my questions, great listener, was able to coordinate a backflow and I saved money by signing up for three additional years. She even managed to have replacement handles installed (original ones rusted out).
Refreshing to have real customer service.
I have used Accurate Backflow for over 10 years. I have always had prompt efficient service. They make it so easy to schedule an appointment and to pay after the work is completed.
I have used Accurate Team for years for our annual back flow testing. They have made the process seamless from the initial reminder email, allowing easy scheduling, auto report submission and autopay. Reliable company, highly recommended.
Accurate Backflow Testing & Plumbing responded quickly to my request for testing. They came out within a few days. Did the testing put their stamp of approval on our water system coming into the home. We are very satisfied with their service would highly recommend them.
I have used Accurate Backflow Testing since I moved to Lakewood Ranch. Always timely, fair pricing, great communication. I have never been let down by them.
Easy online booking, quick response to booking request, testing done within a few days, completion/pass tag left on door, easy online payment. Will definitely use this company again!
Accurate has been great! The website ordering system is so easy to use. You place the order they come out and bill you. Love how little effort ii need to make to order back flow.
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The team here at Accurate Backflow & Plumbing is standing by to serve as your trusted local plumber in Bradenton, FL. So, call us or fill out the form to book your appointment with our staff today.
